Rolling Thunder™

Movable Structure for Growing

The Rolling Thunder™, Rimol's movable greenhouse solution allows you to set up your grow just about anywhere you need. This mobile greenhouse system utilizes a heavy-duty wheel with bearings at each set of hoops attached to a specially designed ground post. The wheel/ground post combination is seated on a rail, which allows the greenhouse to move along the desired growing areas. Rolling Thunder’s design allows for the easy movement of a larger greenhouse with an ordinary tractor, and a smaller greenhouse by just two individuals.

Each Rolling Thunder™ is constructed fairly simply, with the rail laid out flat according to the desired width of the greenhouse. The rail does not have to be pinned or staked, but should be set on solid base of stone dust to prevent sinking into the soil. The first few hoops are the trickiest, and usually require several sets of hands due to the fact that the wheels, ground posts and hoops are all erected simultaneously. However, once a few hoops are completed, the rest of the greenhouse goes up quickly. There is significant bracing in the greenhouse to prevent any movement from the wind, and temporary bracing is used on the end walls of the greenhouse for stability purposes.

The Rimol design allows for flexibility, with various height and width options available. Rimol Greenhouses offers options for all greenhouses including roof vents, roll up sides, doors and heating. A moveable greenhouse from RGS offers the organic grower flexibility for seasonal growing, resulting in resourceful production. The Rolling ThunderTM is an easy way for the organic grower to produce a variety of crops from season to season utilizing the strengths of both crop rotation and crop protection.

Features & Benefits

All high tunnels are designed for heavy snow and wind loads with extra support for crops

All greenhouses are pre-drilled, pre-cut, include all hardware and assemble very easily

Includes complete instructions

Many different options available for cooling, doors and end wall design

Crop support systems available

Quick turnaround on shipping

Widths from 18' to 30'

Lengths from 24' to 96'

Must have metal end wall framing kits

Extra wind bracing required on lengths greater than 48'. Use one set every 24'

Extra wind bracing on greenhouses with wheel assemblies 2' or greater. Use one set every 24'

Use baseboards or double wire lock for along sides of greenhouse at bottom of bows.

Base Package

Pre-drilled steel frame

Hardware & instructions

Layer of 6 mil, 4-year, UV-treated poly for the roof & end walls

Wire lock for the roof and end walls

Pair of roll up side wall kits with double wire lock

All of the extra hardware, wheels and components are included to roll the greenhouse over two plots (e.g. 48' long greenhouse has 96' of pipe and components)

Custom Options

Double Poly Option

The double poly option includes a second layer of poly for the roof plus an inflation kit.

Gear Box Option

The gear box option includes a gear box kit for each roll up side wall kit. This makes it much easier and safer to use on the roll up sides, especially on the high tunnels longer than 48 feet.

Build Your Greenhouse

Rolling Thunder™ FAQ's

What do I do if I have rocky ground?

Several things can be done to alleviate poor ground conditions. You can auger out holes or dig a trench, and back fill them with stone dust. If you have just a few trouble spots, you can cut the post, and concrete around the post for additional bracing. Or, if none of the above work, you can choose another site.

How much does it cost to extend my ground posts so that I can get additional height?

The cost is about $10 per ground post to raise the greenhouse an additional 2 ft. in height and about $18 per ground post to raise the greenhouse an additional 4 ft. in height. Since we are a manufacturer we are flexible and can raise the height anywhere between 1 ft. and 4 ft. This price also takes into account the additional hardware you will need with the extra height.

What is involved in the construction when I get extended ground posts?

As we increase height, we also increase depth. Therefore, you will have to go deeper with your posts. This stability is very important when maintaining snow loads and wind loads. You will also be required to use larger sized poly.

What do I do if I am in an excessively windy area?

We include a wind bracing kit which provides diagonal bracing on all four corners of the greenhouse for extra rigidity. Additional wind bracing can be added if necessary.

Do purlins add strength to the greenhouse?

No, they only help with wind load.

Are these taxable structures, and do I need a building permit?

In most states this type of structure is considered a temporary greenhouse and is non-taxable. However, you need to check with your local authorities or trade associations to see if you are exempt from taxation with this type of structure. Most towns are lenient with building permits due to the fact that these greenhouses are considered an agricultural accessory. However, check with local authorities about permits. Even though you may not need a building permit, you may need other permits for electrical or plumbing.

How much space should I allow in between greenhouses?

You should allow 10 to 12 feet in between greenhouses for the collection and removal of snow. It also helps to have the space for recovering a greenhouse if you bring the plastic from one side over to the other.

What are some of the red flags in site selection?

Terraced land is always dangerous for snow build-up. Snow can tend to collect on one side and not build up on another side, and possibly lead to failure. Terraced land also can result in serious drainage problems. Building within 20 feet of a tall building such as a barn can also lead to drifting snow or ice chunks ripping the plastic. Building near the tree line can result in damage to poly and reduce light levels significantly. Use common sense in site selection.

Can I inflate roll-up sides/curtains?

Yes, by simply using a jumper tube, you can inflate your roll-up sides. However, usually the poly is tight and since you have little heat loss through your sides, most people opt not to inflate roll-up sides.

Do I need a roof vent for natural ventilation or will roll-up sides be enough?

Roof vents definitely enhance ventilation, however, roll-up sides usually are adequate for ventilation. Shade cloth can be used to also help cool a greenhouse with roll-up sides. You can also add a small gable fan and shutter for some winter cooling if you do not want to roll up the sides during the cooler months.